Dürnau moated castle

For centuries, the Dürnau moated castle was the defining building of the small village near Bad Boll. First mentioned in 1237, it served as the seat of various noble families - including the Lords of Dürnau, later the Lords of Westerstetten, the Lords of Zillenhardt and finally the Lords of Degenfeld. Originally, it was a fortified complex with a moat, drawbridge, gatehouse and two main buildings: the Old and the New Castle.

The complex was renovated several times in the 16th and 17th centuries. The well-known master builder Heinrich Schickhardt was involved in repair work. However, the castle was already considered dilapidated in the 18th century. The Degenfeld family moved their seat to Eybach and most of the buildings were demolished in 1845.

What remained was the gatehouse, the stone bridge over the former moat and parts of the castle barn with vaulted cellar. The gatehouse, built in 1762, has served as a sheep farm, bakery and hunter's residence over the years. As part of the renovation of the town centre, the historic moat was uncovered and planted with greenery, leaving the original layout recognizable.

Today, the castle courtyard with its restored buildings is a reminder of Dürnau's eventful past. Where aristocrats once resided, there are now modern uses and cultural facilities - a successful example of how history and the present can be harmoniously intertwined.